Blacklands Cafe

Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, associate professor of counseling at Texas A&M-Commerce, recently took a group of students to Mexico to study the Mexican system of dealing with illegal drugs. Despite the notorious drug gangs in Mexico, Dr. Hendicks says Mexican laws against use of illegal drugs are much tougher than American laws, and Mexico does not provide government-funded rehabilitation programs.

Jack Neal, the executive director of the Northeast Texas Trail, and trail user Hank Pickering of Wolfe City discuss a recent Texas Monthly article on the trail. Jack says the trail is not considered complete, although hikers, bikers and others can traverse its entire 130-mile length from Farmersville to New Boston.

Alice Reese, Herald-Banner movier reviewer, loves "Solo: A Stars Story," in theaters this weekend. Although it does not star Harrison Ford, Alice says it reminds her a lot of the "Indiana Jones" movies. Alice also enjoyed "Book Club," with Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen, which she says shows that even older ladies need love.

Frances Dalbey, executive director of the Hunt County United Way, says summer meal programs for children have started from 11 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday at the First Presbyterian Church and the Norris Community Center in Commerce. Meal programs will begin Monday, June 4 at Ja-Lu Park in Greenville and at the Celeste High School football stadium. The United Way's second Mobile Learning Cafe at Celeste, after the Celeste ISD donated a bus this year. The original Mobile Learning Cafe in Quinlan will open for business Monday, July 9.

This program features a conversation on the student-produced "Lions After Dark" program with host Elizabeth Rodriguez and guest Brandon Bailey, a recent Texas A&M-Commerce graduate, sharing their perspective on the city of Commerce. It may surprise you how positive it is. "Lions After Dark" recently won second place for student radio entertainment programs in the National Broadcast Society competition.

Hunt County Historical Commission chairman Carol Taylor relates the story of a riverboat captain who lost 300 oak barrels of "good whiskey" in the 1850s, when the Red River was at least partially navigable.

Jack Neal, director of the Northeast Texas Trail, and a trail supporter, Hank Pickering, guest on the Blacklands Cafe. Hank is a regular user of the part of the trail that passes through Wolfe City and recently organized a clean-up campaign. He also created the sign seen on this page. The Northeast Texas trail covers about 130 miles from Farmersville to New Boston, following former railroad right-of-ways.

Derek Price, owner of Greenshoot Media and author of the "Cargazing" newspaper column, says automobile companies are adapting to what seems to be millennials' cooler attitude toward cars. Derek says only about 60 percent of 18 year olds now have a driver's license, compared to 80 percent in the 1980s. He says car companies are adapting. The companies are making cars much more capable of connecting with smart phones. Another idea being a

Bert Cooper, director of Community Seeds in Lone Oak, says the organization benefits from the Branded Ranch Rodeo Saturday (May 19) at the Hopkins County Civic Center in Sulphur Springs. A day full of family-oriented, Western activities begins at 10 a.m.

Herald-Banner movie reviewer Alice Reese discusses an article on the 35 least and most anticipated summer movies of 2018. The most anticipated summer movie of 2018 came out early, "Avengers: Infinity War." Among the other most anticipated summer movies is "Solo: A Star Wars Story," a prequel to the original "Star Wars" with the focus on the young Han Solo, coming out May 25.

Texas A&M-Commerce economics professor Dr. Dale Funderburk comments on predictions by long-time Texas economist Dr. Ray Perryman that Texarkana will see an annual job rate growth of 1.54 percent over the next five years. And Dr. Perryman predicts an annual economic growth rate of 4.5 percent in the Tyler area over the same period.

Our wellness commentator, Velvete Womack, reflects on a video comparing popular American breakfast items -- such as doughnuts and pancakes -- to the more healthful breakfast foods enjoyed in other countries. Velvete is the owner of Balanced Newtrition in Rockwall.

Alice Reese, Herald-Banner movie critic, says the new comedy "Tully," starring Charlize Theron as an overwhelmed mother, will be one of the best movies released during the summer movie season. "Overboard" is a remake of the 1987 film of the same name starring Goldie Hawn, but Alice says the roles have been reversed, and Mexican television and film star Eusenio Derbez is the star of the remake.

Carol Taylor, the chairman of the Hunt County Historical Commission, says the Landmark on Lee, originally the U.S. Post Office, was built in 1910 under Postmaster Albert Sidney Burleson. It was built for $60,000, around $1.5 million in today's dollars. Carol says at that time the postmaster was one of the most prominent cabinet positions because the U.S. was still predominantly a rural country and mail service was extremely important to people.

Commerce ISD superintendent Charlie Alderman says its a busy season for the school district with the school year coming to an end May 18 because of the early start to the school year last August. The 2018-19 school year will start August 13, a week later than last year. The Commerce ISD and others can start and end the school year earlier because it is a

Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd says the city of Bonham recently adopted a 20-year master plan for the Jones Field municipal airport. The city plans to extend the airport's runway from 4,000 to 5,000 feet, which would allow jets to land at the airport. The city expects to get grants from the state and federal governments that would pay for 75 percent or more of the cost.

Sharon Feldt, our books commentator from Sulphur Springs, has enjoyed reading "Rules of Magic" by Alice Hoffman, a "prequel" to her earlier novel "Practical Magic," which became a movie with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Both books are tales of witchcraft. Sharon says she met Alice Hoffman at this year's "Pulpwood Queens" book club conference in Nacogdoches, where authors come and visit informally with fans. Sharon's book club, the Bright Star Liter

Commerce Chamber of Commerce manager Paul Voss says the annual Spring Bois D'Arc Car Show will be in downtown Commerce starting at 8 a.m. Saturday (April 28). The event includes new cars, vintage cars and even motorcycles. Paul also discusses the new digital message boards that have been installed at the City Park and near the Magnuson Hotel. One more will be installed near A.C. Williams Elementary School and Commerce Middle School.

Hunt County United Way executive director Frances Dalbey says the organization will conduct a training program at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday (May 1) not only for United Way board members and members of other non-profit organizations at the United Way headquarters on West Lee Street in Greenville. People who are interested in being part of the United Way board or the boards of directors of any non-profit organizations are invited to attend. Greg Bennett from the state United Way organization will speak at the event.

Michael Paris, the executive director of the Paris Economic Development Corporation, discusses a tax abatement reinvestment zone that has been approved by the Lamar County Commissioners Court to permit Cypress Creek Renewables to construct a 60-acre solar farm in the eastern part of the county. Paris says solar farm would generate considerable revenue for the Prairiland ISD. Michael says it's expected that the State Highway 24 widening project is expected to be complete this summer, which will improve Paris' industria

Dr. Karri McCreary, co-owner of the Greenville Animal Hospital, reflects on an article about the rising cost of pet care. Dr. McCreary says many factors are involved, including the expectations of pet owners for technologically advanced treatment. But Dr. McCreary says veterinarians are able to work with pet owners on working out a plan that suits their situation.

Commerce Chamber of Commerce manager Paul Voss discusses the apparent increase in home construction in the city, and the continued revitalization of downtown Commerce, with the recent opening of the Shear Relaxation day spa.

Our wellness commentator, Velvete Womack, reflects on a Psychology Today article that chronic stress may damage brain structure and connectivity. The article is based on a University of California study. Other than prescription drugs, meditation, exercise, social connectivity, laughter, and listening to your favorite music are recommended as good ways to combat stress. Dr.

Downtown Sulphur Springs has enjoyed a great revival in recent years, with many of its historic buildings being renovated and occupied by new businesses. But Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers tells us now a new building is being constructed downtown on Main Street by businesswoman Billie Ruth Standbridge. A sportsman's store will be located in the building, with living space on the upper floor. The mayor says it will be complete by the late spring or early summer. Also, Hunt County Agrilife Extension Agent Sarah Latham and Hunt Regional E